Comments on: Credit card debt problem and really need help solving it?

By: Amber B

Amber B — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:42:58 +0000

Well my husband and I had this same problem from debts he incurred before we were married. I would recommend finding a good not for profit credit counseling agency. They helped up pay off a 13000 dollar debt by arranging to stop late fees and lower interest rates. You do have to agree to incurr no new credit during this time. In the long run with the right agency it can be a great program. You can look online for one in your area.

I’ve found some good information here too…

Good Luck.

By: spunkeymonkey612

spunkeymonkey612 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:32:06 +0000

Try a total money makeover……The book is by Dave Ramsey and what he writes really works!!!!! My husband and I are just getting started…but with strict discipline it can be done!!! Start off with your smallest bills first. And instead of talking to the credit card places…just send them what you can afford. Did you know that if they send your check back and refuse payment that you can take them to court and not be held liable for the debt? It is true……happened to my mom with a doctor bill!!!!! Please get the book by Dave and read it ……it will be a hard road……but you can do it!!!!! Another suggestion is take your income tax money that you get back and pay the smaller bills first. And ask yourself what you can live without….cable, cel phone, life’s luxuries is what I call them…….

By: Lstar

L*star* — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:13:59 +0000

Do Not tell them your claiming bankruptcy if you do. That will give them a chance to sue you before you file or even if you don’t file- they will sue. If you at least send them something- they can’t say you’re not trying. If you really can’t pay- your credit is already shot. You may just want to contact a BK attorney and see what your options are. They usually give free consultations. Good Luck!

By: Busy L

Busy L — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:53:25 +0000

First of all do not worry - yes you are in debt up to your ears and it typical the collection agencies are rude, and do not want to work with you - they work on commission. Do what the other person says and send out letters to each one invoking your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act - DEMAND that they do not call you at home or at work - that they can only contact you via mail. Send it certified mail so you have proof. Keep a little file of all your records. Write in the letter that you are contemplating filing bankruptcy and watch them BACK OFF! Do not waste your time talking to any of them - they will NEVER be nice to you. Deal via mail and have it all in writing. Pay what you can afford to pay or put some bills on hold until you can pay them off one by one. Utilize the collectors tactic of a “settlement” to pay less than owed (get this in writing first). You have not much to lose as they are in collection anyways and they will never come out. Collections looks bad but not AS bad if the accounts are paid up - it shows you have morales and pay your debt even if it is late. You are not the only person who has been there in your situation - do not feel alone. Do not igonore any possible lawsuits - this is why you keep all records.

By: Lesley

Lesley — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:50:34 +0000

Well, they won’t stop calling you until you tell them to only contact you by mail, but if for whatever reason they don’t want to take monthly payments then they’re going to have to wait until you can afford to settle before they will get anything from you. Just be careful because it’s possible the original creditor sent the same debt to multiple collection agencies. Don’t ignore any law suits as you may be able to successfully defend against it if you’re being vigilant about it.

By: jasonjas

jasonjas — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:55:28 +0000

Call them and tell them that you they either set up a payment plan with you or else you’ll claim bankruptcy…

Even if you’re not going to claim bankruptcy, that will get them to shut up and stop laughing at you. You see, in bankruptcy credit card companies get screwed the most and get nothing out of it. So, just tell them that and keep telling each one of them that, even if it isn’t true. If they don’t listen then screw them and open a new credit card (if you can) to transfer the bills to. Then tell themt he same thing.